A8-3520M vs Atom N550

A8-3520M vs Atom N550 Performance Spectrum

A8-3520M

4 / 4

1,441

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Atom N550

2 / 4

1,435

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A8-3520M vs Atom N550 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-3520M vs Atom N550: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-3520M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌288.9% higher power demand at 35W vs 9W.

Atom N550

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 9W instead of 35W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,435 vs 1,441).

Quick Answers

So, is A8-3520M better than Atom N550?

Yes. A8-3520M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A8-3520M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3520M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A8-3520M still makes the most sense overall. A8-3520M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A8-3520M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A8-3520M vs Atom N550 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A8-3520M

The A8-3520M is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FS1. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,441 points. Launch price was $90.

Atom N550

The Atom N550 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 August 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Pineview (2009−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 8.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,435 points. Launch price was $86.

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Processing Power

The A8-3520M packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Atom N550 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3520M has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A8-3520M versus 1.5 GHz on the Atom N550 — a 50% clock advantage for the A8-3520M (base: 1.6 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The A8-3520M uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Atom N550 uses Pineview (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3520M scores 1,441 against the Atom N550's 1,435 — a 0.4% lead for the A8-3520M. Both processors carry 0 kB of L3 cache.

Feature	A8-3520M	Atom N550
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz+67%	1.5 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz+7%	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	0 kB
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	512K (per core)+51100%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Pineview (2009−2011)
PassMark	1,441	1,435
Geekbench 6 Single	255	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3520M uses the FS1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Atom N550 uses FCBGA559 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the A8-3520M versus DDR3-667 on the Atom N550 — the A8-3520M supports 99.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-3520M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (A8-3520M) vs 1 (Atom N550). PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3520M) vs 0 (Atom N550) — the A8-3520M offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	A8-3520M	Atom N550
Socket	FS1	FCBGA559
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333+100%	DDR3-667
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+700%	2 GB
RAM Channels	2+100%	1
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: AMD-V (A8-3520M) / not specified (Atom N550). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6620G (A8-3520M) and Intel GMA 3150 (Atom N550) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3520M targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-3520M rivals Core i3-2330M.